14 Aug 2018 --- The last few months have seen a real shake-up in the flavors space with International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) beginning a new chapter with the combination of Frutarom. The news came as Swiss-headquartered market leader Givaudan completed the acquisition of 40.5 percent of the shares of Naturex for €135 per share, with plans underway to take complete control of the natural ingredients supplier. The acquisition of such a significant shareholding in Naturex fits with Givaudan’s 2020 strategy to expand its offering to deliver natural products to customers.

14 Aug 2018 --- Symrise AG (Symrise) has accelerated its organic growth course in the second quarter. All segments and regions contributed to this positive development, according to the company. Group sales rose significantly by 9.0 percent in the first half of 2018 and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to €317.1 million (H1 2017: €322.9 million). Against the background of this positive business performance, Symrise is refining its outlook for 2018. The group now expects an increase in annual sales above the medium-term target corridor of 5 to 7 percent, therefore growing significantly faster than the market.

14 Aug 2018 --- Tyson Foods has reached an agreement to sell its pizza crust business, TNT Crust business (TNT), to an affiliate of private equity firm Peak Rock Capital (Peak Rock). Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. However, the two companies hope to complete the deal by September. The transaction is the seventh recent food and beverage investment for Peak Rock.

14 Aug 2018 --- Glanbia Nutritionals, Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk Producers Inc. are set to build a new large-scale cheese and whey production facility in St. Johns, Michigan, US as part of a joint venture. The project is expected to be commissioned in the Q4 of 2020 and will cost approximately US$470 million.

13 Aug 2018 --- Industry moves to overcome the sugar reduction challenge remain top of the UK NPD agenda, with a major shift towards openness around development. When Food Matters Live first started in 2014, the soft drinks industry was reluctant to speak about the issues of sugar reduction in beverages, but a new environment has now opened up, according to Event Director, Briony Mansell-Lewis.

13 Aug 2018 --- UK food and drink exports hit a record level of £10.6 billion (US$13.5 billion) for the first half of 2018 – up by 4 percent compared to last year, as the date for Britain's exit from the EU draws ever closer. The US, China and Hong Kong were among the top countries importing British products, according to new figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, illustrating how the country's manufacturers may be able to look further beyond prioritizing their EU trading strategy in the future. Demonstrating a clear global desire for British taste, quality and high standards, UK food and drink businesses are now selling their products to over 200 global markets.

13 Aug 2018 --- Synergy Flavours has launched a newly developed Ruby Chocolate flavor to add to its wide range of chocolate flavor profiles. Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Hugh Evans, Marketing Manager for Europe and Asia at Synergy Flavours says: “Our team of flavorists were able to use sensory analysis results directly from Ruby chocolate itself, resulting in them being able to capture the most authentic flavor possible.”

10 Aug 2018 --- This week, Univar officially opened its Global Digital Hub during a Digital Day event for supplier partners. UK’s foodservice wholesaler, Brakes, has signed up to WRAP’s UK Plastics Pact, furthering its commitment to lead the foodservice industry in reducing its environmental impact. Fonterra is transitioning from coal to renewable energy at its Stirling site in Otago, New Zealand and First Milk is celebrating winning the English, Scottish and Welsh regional titles at this year’s International Cheese Awards.

10 Aug 2018 --- Global biotechnology company, Novozymes, has released its results for the first half. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the quarter came in at DKK957 million (US$147 million) with its household care sector showing particular weakness. The company still beat estimates with its second-quarter net profit and revenue, but shares have fallen after reporting earnings that missed analysts’ expectations.

10 Aug 2018 --- Heineken's new brew, Hi-Fi Hops, from California beer brand Lagunitas, is made with marijuana instead of alcohol. Hi-Fi Hops is currently only available in a select number of dispensaries in California, where marijuana is legal. Lagunitas, Heineken's fast-growing California beer label, labels its new brew as “hoppy sparkling water.”

10 Aug 2018 --- Agrana Nile Fruits has inaugurated a new production line for tailor-made beverage compounds, specifically targeting markets in the Middle East and North Africa. The joint project with Austria Juice, a sister company of the Agrana Group, is a successful endeavor of installing high-quality standards and the innovation drive from European markets to the region, according to the company.

09 Aug 2018 --- IMCD N.V. (IMCD), a distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the outstanding shares of US specialty chemicals distributor E.T. Horn Company (Horn). IMCD initially announced the agreement on the purchase of Horn in June.

09 Aug 2018 --- The rise in unexplained European cases of salmonella poisoning linked to the use of cucumbers in ready-to-eat foods reminds manufacturers about the need to stay informed on food compliance matters, according to SGS Digicomply (SGS), a regulatory intelligence network. The company provides tailored data to help businesses mitigate against the risk of non-compliance.

09 Aug 2018 --- Kerry has reported a solid underlying business performance for the half year ended June 30, 2018. Taste & Nutrition was up by 4.1 percent volume growth and Consumer Foods was up by 1.3 percent volume growth in H1. UK and Irish consumer foods markets encountered challenges in the period, however, Kerry’s Consumer Foods division delivered a solid underlying performance. Business Performance Group revenue on a reported basis increased by 1.4 percent to €3.2 billion reflecting strong volume growth and contribution from acquisitions.

08 Aug 2018 --- Biorigin has reinforced its commitment to transparency, the company's line of yeast extracts, Bionis, has achieved Non-GMO Project Verified status for 38 if its natural ingredients portfolio. Biorigin claims to be always following the most important demands and market trends in order to work on the art of creating natural, non-GMO, clean label and sustainable solutions which promote people's health and well-being.

08 Aug 2018 --- For the past seven years, Dutch meat alternatives innovator The Vegetarian Butcher has been working on a plant-based smoked sausage with a traditional taste. The aim was to create a product that would taste great, even for typical meat eaters. In addition to creating a good flavor, it was a challenge to create a sausage with a “bang,” according to the company. The product has now made its debut.

08 Aug 2018 --- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has reported its financial results and strategic achievements for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018. Top-line trends remained strong in the second quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of mid-single digit growth, according to IFF Chairman and CEO, Andreas Fibig.

08 Aug 2018 --- Firmenich has acquired Italy-based Campus, an innovator in the application of natural functional ingredients for protein applications, specializing in clean label, meat and plant-based foods. This acquisition broadens Firmenich’s capabilities in naturals and protein solutions, cutting across animal and vegan food products. Neither party is disclosing financial details of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of this week.